Mental Health Promotion - A conceptual review and guidance

Promotion of mental health overlaps with the prevention of mental illness in a variety of ways. Its emphasis is on positive mental health (what can be done to keep people healthy) rather than on illness prevention (what can be done to avoid illness). In this paper, the various definitions related to mental health and mental health promotion are critically reviewed, the targets of mental health and the determinants of health are mentioned, the importance of the holistic approach in mental health promotion is emphasised, the relevance of psychiatry for the person and stigmatisation is highlighted and the principles of guidance in mental health promotion and the components composing a meaningful mental health policy are discussed. Furthermore, the need for evidence-based information is stressed and the key recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO) report on mental health promotion are summarised. The need for sustainability of the relevant programmes is emphasised, the applicability of the existing data in different cultural and resource settings and the re-evaluation of schemes that are of doubtful effectiveness, are recommended, as is consideration of health promotion as an integral part of good clinical care rather than as an optional accessory.